Ten days after Germany’s demoralizing elimination from the World Cup group stage, captain Manuel Neuer December took a turn for the worst when he broke his leg in a skiing accident, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.
“What can I say: The end of the year could have gone better,” wrote the veteran Bayern Munich goalkeeper on his Instagram account on Saturday, revealing that he suffered the injury to his lower leg while “trying to clear my head skiing.”
According to the German daily BILD, Neuer has fractured the inside of his right shin bone, rather than a clean break.
The German tabloid added that the 36-year-old was operated on at a clinic in Murnau, about 70 kilometers (43 miles) south of Munich.
“The operation went well,” wrote Neuer, thanking the medical team. “But it pains me to say that the season is over for me.”
Tolle Geste für Manuel #Neuer:
Das Krankenhaus hat ihm extra eine Halterung für den Reklamierarm ans Krankenbett gebaut. pic.twitter.com/7TE0soulav— Julian (@derjulian84) December 10, 2022
Neuer played in 12 of Bayern Munich’s 15 Bundesliga games before the World Cup, but missed several games in the Champions League and German Cup after suffering a shoulder injury in October.
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“The news of Manuel’s injury shocked us all,” said Bayern chief executive Oliver Kahn in a statement.
“We’ll remain by his side on his road back to recovery. He’ll overcome this injury and return as strong as ever.”
Director of Sport Hasan Salihamidzic promised Neuer “full support,” saying: “It’s awful that Manuel has had such an accident and our thoughts are with him.
“Neuer had gone on holiday immediately after returning from Qatar, where he couldn’t prevent Germany’s group stage exit.
Neuer will be replaced in goal by back-up goalkeeper Sven Ulreich when Bayern Munich return to Bundesliga action against RB Leipzig on January 20.
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